2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit
March 18 – March 20
Save the date for the 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit to be held on March 18-20, 2025 at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
The Virginia Marine Debris Summit (VMDS) is co-hosted by Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and Clean Virginia Waterways. This 3-day event will focus on solutions to measurably reduce plastic pollution from entering Virginia’s freshwater and tidal rivers, estuaries, wetlands, beaches, and ocean. Speakers will share dynamic programs that have made a difference and can be replicated throughout the state. The summit will include in-depth solution-based discussions on the four major goals of the 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan: Consumer Single-use Plastics, Derelict Fishing Gear, Microplastics & Microfibers, and Abandoned & Derelict Vessels. We will also discuss and share ideas for the updates to the 2026-2030 VMDRP. Join us for panel discussions, new ideas, updates to ongoing projects, networking, creating workgroups and even an opportunity for “Speed Dating With The Experts”. Be inspired by our amazing Keynote Speakers, Bonnie Monteleone of Plastic Ocean Project and Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics.
Marine debris has become one of the most widespread pollution problems in the world’s oceans and waterways, impacting wildlife, human health and safety, habitats, and economies. It is an enormous and growing problem, and it is important for Virginia to play its part in reducing debris from land-based and water-based sources.